I am here to do small things

The CSB II in Moramanga

Friday, 7 April 2023 (54)

Classes seem longer now. I think the staff (and these are the Malagasy people teaching us) are letting us (the volunteers) ask too many questions. So many questions have already been answered in prior sessions or are of the "what if" variety or are questions no one could possibly have the answers for. Or the questions are just irrelevant to our needing to know. The bottom line is that the culture here seems to favor aggressive American style more than the Malagasy laid back, don't interrupt, or hold us from digressing and taking over the control of the class. And I told that to the instructors afterwards and they agreed.

I also don't like that we get separated into groups then get asked to use the interviews and findings we gathered from our site to explain health issues and difference across the regions. Being in groups is fine, but I don't think the maybe eight to ten people we spoke with and three examples of people's use of mosquito nets or WC's constitutes the reality of the situation at our assignments. Many volunteers present their finding like it truly is representative and they speak like they know the full picture and root causes of the problems when all we've done is sampled a small scattering of people at our sites or on the streets.

So many of our presentations use these dismal and limited data sets, facts and figures in ways that seem to define attitudes and health conditions when we actually know so little. This has also been brought to my attention when I hear a few say they are already thinking or planning on their secondary project ideas. How is that even possible? Our roles are to learn what is needed in these communities, work with the locals in doing projects they are in need of. Instead, volunteers are already coming up with ideas based upon seeing a few examples that were done elsewhere, and deciding for themselves what they want to do or deciding right now what they think their sites are in need of. Excuse me, but you've spent less than a week at the sight with limited language and contact. How in the world could you possibly know what is wanted or needed?

I'm not sure the staff has noticed this. It probably isn't voiced around amongst them. But I think it awfully brazen to already be thinking your community needs or wants something they haven't even been included in on yet. So many of the volunteers think they have a grasp on the realities of their sites. I haven't a clue. Certainly, I think I see a few issues, I've talked with a few individuals, gathered some preliminary info but I won't go so far as to think I know the first thing about what my future communities issues and challenges are.

And now that we have been given instructions for our 10 minute presentations (in Malagasy) in about 10 days from now, many have broken into groups of two to five. As I expected, no one was going to ask me to be a part of their group (like not being asked to the prom) so I asked Josh if I could be a part of his group. "Only if you are fine with Malaria" was his response. I am and suggested he take the lead in the group. But once we went out to the streets to gather more stats on issues, I thought I might like to do my own presentation. 

I didn't appreciate the staff directing what we had to gather information on today, so I did it my own way and doubt it matters. I have come up with an interesting topic - it's a little different and out of the box. Rather than do a presentation and show people handwashing, or talk about malaria symptoms, prevention and treatment - I've chosen a different way to go. This is based on my idea that the people we will be teaching are not stupid and that they have heard these topics on many occasions and over many years. Maybe the kids need basics but I don't think many of the adults do - certainly not the ones in the highlands where I am going.

And based on the responses I and others get from street interviews - it isn't that the people don't know what they should do - it's that they are not motivated to do these preventative measures for better health. There appears to be various mindsets and excuses for not using mosquito nets - for example. Rather than teaching the "how" which I believe adults know - I'd like a stab at teaching the "why".

Here's my initial script - some of it has already been translated into Malagasy but left out of this version.

Hello, gentlemen and ladies.
My name is Rick. I am happy to meet you all.
I am here to do a small thing.

I will be a volunteer at the CSB II in Sahanivotry.
I desire better health for all.
I look forward to helping however I can.

I’d like to talk about Malaria.
 _#_people in Madagascar die of Malaria each year.
You all know Malaria is gotten by mosquitoes.
You all know the symptoms (fever, diarrhea…)
More numbers, surveys and statistics can be gotten from other sources including medical providers.

Although I have spoken with many people and asked many questions –
I have not been here long enough to know the real reasons why Malaria is such a problem, 
nor do I know the best solution.

But I do know this:
Malaria is a complicated problem. But let’s first start with the use of mosquito nets.

Ask yourself this question:
Why do you use or do not use a mosquito net?
Why?
Do you have that reason in your mind?

Instead of teaching you “how” to avoid malaria, perhaps we should instead motivate you to do what you already know. This is a perhaps a better solution to the problem. 
Maybe we should teach you “why” you should do what you already know.
Perhaps you could consider doing what you are not currently doing for this reason - to be an example.

Let me explain.
In America we hear that there are people around the world who could use some help. 
People who have health issues. Most Americans know this but do nothing. 

I have come here to do something. To volunteer. It is a small thing. My efforts may not save any lives.
My efforts may not change the world or be of any great consequence. But many view my desire to serve, my desire to help as an example. Maybe they will in turn be more helpful. 

Maybe they will do more small things to help others.

When you use a net, you become an example. Maybe it will do nothing. Maybe it will save your life.
Maybe your child, or your family will also start using a mosquito net.
This is a small thing. This is a good thing. It may be inconvenient. You may think you are not at risk. 

All those who became sick or ill from Malaria. __#__ All those who died of Malaria.__#__ 
Would they like to go back in time and change their behavior and do that small thing? 
Would they like to have their health or their child or their spouse back again? Probably. 

Maybe this is a good reason “why”. You already know “How”. 
Maybe it is time to decide “why” you should do it.

I plead with you. 
Do what you know is a good thing. It is a small thing. The world needs more examples. 
The world needs you and I to do more small things. You may not change the world. 
But you will change “your” world. And you may save a life.

My name is Rick.
I am here to do small things.

Why are you here?